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Thibaut Courtois's father has insisted that the 21-year-old goalkeeper never wanted to go to Barcelona.

By Kristof Terreur

Last Updated: 03/01/14 4:37pm

Thibaut Courtois: Belgian considered one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe

The Spanish champions have reportedly earmarked Borussia Monchengladbach's Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the keeper to replace Victor Valdes at the end of the season.

Courtois was also rumoured to be one of the options that Barca were looking at, despite the fact that the Belgium international will remain on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea until the summer of 2014.

However, his father, Thierry, has claimed that the former Genk man was never really interested in joining Barca and insists that talks are going on with Chelsea about his long-term future.

"Thibaut is not disappointed that Barcelona have chosen another goalkeeper," he told Het Nieuwsblad.

"It was never a real option. Thibaut still has a contract until the end of the season at Atletico.

"It is logical that there are talks with Chelsea about his future at this point. And that's what we are doing."